EBU Academy Audio Week

Overview

Audio is booming! Whether audiences are listening to podcasts, on-demand programmes or the radio, via smart speakers, mobile phones or in the car. But how can public service media seize opportunities to connect with and engage an evolving audio audience, including younger listeners? The EBU Academy Audio Week covers a range of relevant topics including the best apps and tricks to record audio, how to get creative and develop new formats, storytelling using sound and even using AI in production.

MON. 17 JUNE

10 AM CET: Identify the equipment, tools and apps to become a versatile and agile podcaster – Mini Master Class

The technical barriers to becoming a podcaster are low. Opening the EBU Academy Audio Week, experienced audio producer Micky Curling takes you on a guided tour of the affordable equipment you need to make your podcast sound great and how best to use it, in and outside the studio. Micky will also unlock the potential of using your smartphone as a production tool.

What you will learn:

• Selecting microphones and other recording equipment.
• Techniques to help you achieve the best quality recordings.
• Working with remote guests.
• Controlling the recording environment.
• Various tools to allow you to record on your smartphone.

2PM CET: How to develop creative podcast formats - Mini Master Class

The number of podcasts for audiences to choose from is huge and growing everyday. To cut through, your audio must be distinctive. But how can you develop fresh new formats for podcasts? Award-winning podcaster and executive producer at ITN Productions, Rubina Pabani does this everyday. In this session, Rubina will reveal ways of working to fire up creativity and develop new ideas.

What you will learn:

• How to spot the gaps in the market.
• Using the medium of audio to be inspired - Podcast vs Radio.
• Collecting things you like/things you know work.
• How to design for an audience/community.
• A good format vs a bad format.
• The importance of feedback and experimentation.

TUES. 18 JUNE

10AM CET: Using AI in audio production - Mini Master Class

In the rapidly developing world of AI, there are already opportunities to use it in your audio production. Producer and Sound Designer, Micky Curling will explain how he voice cloned an athlete to present coverage for a recent Eurovision Sport project. Micky will share what he has learned experimenting with AI tools in his audio production - the possibilities, and the risks.

What you will learn:

• An understanding of AI-based production tools.
• How to use AI when recording, processing and delivering high quality audio.
• How AI is opening new creative possibilities.
• First-hand experience of the use of voice cloning in audio production.
• An awareness of the risks associated with AI.

2PM CET: How to build an entertaining podcast series with public service purpose and values - Mini Master Class

Successful podcasts can blend entertainment with a public service objective, such as educating or inspiring action, but how’s this balance achieved? In this session, audio producer Gianluca Allaria, who’s produced podcasts for global organizations such as the Kofi Annan Foundation and the UN, explains how its done. So, whether your aim is to educate on cultural heritage, improve digital literacy skills or encourage listeners to look after their health, Gianluca will explore how to do this in an engaging, human and even fun way.

What you will learn:

• How to make educational topics interesting and accessible.
• Techniques to connect with your audience effectively.
• Ways to combine fun with function in your podcast episodes.
• Methods to get listeners involved and active.
• How to keep your podcast interesting over time while staying focused on your mission.

WED. 19 JUNE

10AM CET: How music and sound design can help you tell a story - Mini Master Class

Music and sound effects play a crucial role in storytelling in movies and television. This becomes ever more important in an audio-only world. Award winning Sound Designer, Micky Curling explains the key uses for music and sound effects in telling stories and creating images in the listener’s mind. Micky also demonstrates those times when sound design is not needed!. The session will also discuss the libraries you can use and software that can turn someone who’s never written music before into a composer!

What you will learn:

• The basics of sound design.
• How to create pictures with sound.
• Some of the tools and libraries available to audio producers.
• The power of silence.
• An awareness of award-winning and innovative audio productions.

2PM CET: Techniques to be the ‘authentic you’ as a podcast presenter - Mini Master Class

Podcasting is intimate. People choose a pod and listen on their own, at a time they decide, usually through earphones. Award winning podcast presenter Rubina Pabani explains how hosts can be their authentic selves to connect impactfully with the listener and build a relationship. Rubina, who’s recorded with a co-presenter, also explains how the two host dynamic works best – both planning discussions and allowing for spontaneity.

What you will learn:

• How to find your voice.
• The importance of respecting your listener.
• Chemistry test - finding a podcast partner that works.
• How to plan to be spontaneous - 5 tips to keep it fresh.
• The value of bravery,and honesty.

THURS. 20 JUNE

10AM CET: Use social media to build a listener community - Mini Master Class

Most people listen to podcasts on their own, so how can you build digital meeting places to allow them to come together? Head of Digital at the BBC World Service (English), Anna Doble explains how. Anna explores how she’s used social media to empower listeners to meet, discuss what they’ve heard and play a role in production of their favourite podcast.

What you will learn:

• Why and how podcasts promote loyalty.
• How you can bring your show to life by giving the audience a role.
• How social media can best support your podcast.
• What “digital-first” really means for your programme/network.
• How simplicity is the key to interaction – you don’t need expensive digital production!

2PM CET: How to grow your podcast audience through collaboration - Mini Master Class

No one listens to a podcast by accident. The marketing of podcasts is crucial to find your audience and persuade them to try yours. In this session, audio producer Gianluca Allaria, who’s produced podcasts for global organizations such as the Kofi Annan Foundation and the UN, reveals the value of collaboration. How can you work with institutions, other public service media, influencers and critically other podcasts, in and outside where you work, to grow your audience.

What you will learn:

• How to connect with others to help spread the word about your podcast.
• Simple ways to work with podcasts for shared success.
• Ideas for other partnerships.
• Tips on how to work with influencers to get your podcast noticed.
• The do's and don'ts of working together to grow your audience.